Recipe: Easy Parmesan Zucchini Rings

Found yourself with an abundance of summer zucchini? Need fresh ideas for how to use it up? Try this recipe for savory zucchini rings, which makes a delicious snack or side dish. The vegetable centers are ingeniously turned into a tasty dipping sauce.

Get zucchini, olive oil and garlic at the Lenexa Farmers Market.

Recipe credit: Stella Drivas, Hungry Happens

Equipment

Cutting board
Apple corer
Large rimmed baking sheet
Medium skillet
Mini food processor

Ingredients

Rings

3 medium zucchinis
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian herb blend
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Dip

1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 lemon, squeezed
1 tablespoon milk
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Zucchini: Slice zucchinis into thick rounds. Use an apple corer to remove each seed center and make them into rings. Set the centers aside. Place the rings onto the baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herb blend and parmesan until well coated. Spread them out on the pan. Top with a little more Italian herb blend and bake for 20–25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

3. Dip: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the zucchini centers for 3–5 minutes until fork tender. Once done remove from the pan and transfer to a mini food processor. Next, add the lemon, milk, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper and pulse together until smooth. Taste and adjust any flavors if needed. Serve with the zucchini rings.